Diving in Aqaba

Explore 19 dive sites in Aqaba, Jordan. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Aqaba

The warmest water temperatures in Aqaba occur in August, averaging 27.2°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 20.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 21.9°C
  • February: 20.9°C
  • March: 20.5°C
  • April: 20.9°C
  • May: 22.7°C
  • June: 24.5°C
  • July: 25.8°C
  • August: 27.2°C
  • September: 26.7°C
  • October: 25.5°C
  • November: 24.5°C
  • December: 23.2°C

Marine Life in Aqaba

Home to 70 recorded species including 40 reef fish, 15 hard corals, 4 whales & dolphins, 2 clams & mussels, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 crabs & lobsters.

Dive Site Difficulty in Aqaba

Aqaba has 10 beginner, 4 intermediate, 1 expert dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Aqaba

Based on average water temperature of 23.7°C, currents 4 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 24°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Aqaba

  • محمية العقبة البحرية - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Aqaba - Nearest Airports

  • King Hussein International Airport (AQJ), Aqaba - 13 km away, approx 29 min travel time
  • Ramon International Airport (ETM), Eilat - 25 km away, approx 42 min travel time
  • Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH), Sharm El Sheikh - 179 km away, approx 210 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions for diving in Aqaba, including visibility, water temperature, and currents?
For diving in Aqaba, you can expect pleasant water temperatures, especially during the peak months. The best water temperatures are typically found in August at 27.18°C, September at 26.66°C, and July at 25.82°C. While specific data on visibility and currents is not provided, these warm temperatures contribute to comfortable diving conditions.
What unique marine life can divers expect to encounter in Aqaba's dive sites?
While the provided data highlights the impressive diving in Aqaba, including its beautiful coral gardens, specific unique marine life encounters are not detailed. Divers can generally expect to explore vibrant ecosystems typical of the Red Sea. For more information on marine species, you can visit our wildlife database.
Which are considered the best dive sites in Aqaba, and what makes them stand out?
Among the notable dive sites in Aqaba, the Cedar Pride wreck stands out as a significant attraction. This intermediate-level wreck dive is a key feature of the region's impressive diving. Additionally, the extensive coral gardens along the Gulf of Aqaba offer beautiful reef exploration for divers.
Is Aqaba a suitable dive region for beginner divers, or is it primarily recommended for more experienced individuals?
Aqaba is highly suitable for beginner divers, offering a wide array of sites tailored to less experienced individuals. Many reef and even some wreck dives, such as The underwater restaurant, are classified as Beginner level. While there are also numerous intermediate and even expert sites like The Border Line, Eilat, beginners will find plenty of accessible and rewarding diving opportunities.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Aqaba for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
For optimal diving conditions in Aqaba, the best time of year is during the warmer months, specifically July, August, and September. During these months, water temperatures are at their peak, reaching averages of 25.82°C in July, 27.18°C in August, and 26.66°C in September. While specific seasonal marine life sightings are not detailed, these months offer the most comfortable water temperatures for diving.
How do travelers typically get to Aqaba to start a diving trip?
The provided data for Aqaba does not specify typical travel routes or methods for reaching the city to start a diving trip. However, as Jordan's only coastal city, it is a well-known destination for divers.
Are there any notable wreck dives in Aqaba, and are they accessible to all experience levels?
Yes, Aqaba boasts several notable wreck dives, catering to various experience levels. The iconic Cedar Pride is an intermediate wreck dive, while the Tristar and Sun boat and amphibian vehicles also offer intermediate wreck experiences. For beginners, The underwater restaurant provides an accessible entry into wreck diving, ensuring that divers of different skill sets can enjoy Aqaba's underwater history.
What seasonal variations in marine life can divers expect throughout the year in Aqaba?
The provided data for Aqaba does not detail specific seasonal variations in marine life that divers can expect throughout the year. While the region is known for its coral gardens, information on seasonal changes in species sightings is not available. For general marine life information, you can explore our wildlife database.